Steve's Pride and Joy

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Colleen Hijacked the taxi

Well, not really, but we had bought a couple items too large to transport on the scooters so we sent Colleen in the taxi. Unfortunately the taxi driver missed the lane. So as Melissa and I were about 2 blocks from the house we saw Colleen going the opposite direction. Melissa U-turned and chased the taxi while I continued to the house. Talk about adventure!

Later Melissa said she would have brought it all on the scooter if we weren't here! 3 sheets of 90cmx100cm coroplast, a sheet of cork board the same size, a small whiteboard, a toilet brush and holder and a couple other small items. Trish Postey could carry a lot more on her scooter if she really wanted to.

Earlier in the day Melissa's friend Andy took us to Gangshan for sightseeing, but the rain changed that into visiting with friends from church. It was fantastic to have lunch with and visit with a couple who are just married 2 years have a little boy almost 1 and trying to work through various aspects of following God's leading in their lives. It is great to get to know Melissa's church family!

Andy, Larry, Michelle, Charlie, Steve, Colleen and Melissa

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Night Market in Taichung

The banana strawberry mix is hard to see, but it was a welcome cooling treat.

Melissa's friend Marco attended University in Taichung so he was our guide for the day. These pictures are taken when the crowd reduced by 75%! Earlier I did not have room to get the camera out!

Sorry only back of the head shots.

The Robarts Family in Taichung

Melissa and Vaughn and Regina were Russia together in 1994-95. Their children are Haven, Logan, and the actor Simeon aka Lane

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Colleen is on her way here

Northwest Air says her flight has landed in Minneapolis, but has not arrived at the gate yet. In about 10 hours Melissa and I will head to Taipei to take some things to Chris and Nevada and pick up Colleen. The reality of limited time in Kaohsiung is starting to hit me. I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED MY DAYS HERE.

Yesterday I had my first real accident and it really doesn't qualify. I was going slow through a very tight spot and as I was tipping over I reached out for one of the big traffic barricades. Unfortunately here big doesn't mean heavy or strong. The thing was half the size of a couch and flipped on its side easier than a kitchen chair, totally hollow plastic. I only got a scrape and bruise on my left leg so good for story without much suffering.

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Wow another week has passed

Well Monday morning here and Sunday night in Saskatoon. Shawna and Parker are married! There is FULL house at 13 Hardy Crescent.

We have had a full week, but have not managed to take any pictures. I did take some video of a scooter ride, but haven't got the cables to download to share with you.

I taught a Wed-Friday 5-7 class it was FUN. Hard to follow a curriculum when I am so used to having the general outline and a few high points. It is very different having to make sure I cover the details. Last Monday and Tuesday I explored around on the scooter so it won't be quite as easy to get lost. I have the sunburn to prove it. I still won't have a great perspective on some locations, but at least I am not totally baffled.

Friday, or was it Saturday evening we went to the Mayor's picnic. Alex one of the Access volunteers hosted us. He arranged for a spot and provided the food and beverage. We ended up right near the honored guest location and as the Mayor circulated we each got to meet her and shake her hand. It was very interesting, but sitting on a thin cloth on a paving stone sidewalk was a first for me! Perhaps we can get copies of the pictures from Alex.

Melissa gets a new wardrobe and kitchen table set delivered this afternoon. We go to Taipei Thursday morning to pick up Colleen. Her arrival also brings the reality of leaving in 3 weeks too.

Well it is approaching 10 am so I better get moving. I will try to post more often this week.

Sunday, August 27, 2006

I am in Taiwan

Wow it is just like I remembered. Lots of people, scooters and heat. We had a real BIG thunder and lightning storm yesterday. Fortunately one of the guys from Melissa's church had a car so we could go for tea without getting soaked. The only way I know to get that wet that fast in Canada is to jump into a pool!

I'm having a great time and have only had a few near close calls on the scooter. No actual close calls though.

We went to one of the church member apartment for a supper last night. He has a great view from his 20th floor apartment. So we ended up getting to church about 10 am and leaving the last place at 10 pm. Great visiting!

I hope all of you keep having fun!!!

Monday, August 21, 2006

Wow only a few hours left!!

Well I have packed all that I am going to pack and now it is time for a bit of sleep before the 6 am departure from Saskatoon. 26 1/2 hours travel time to Taipei and then a bus ride with Melissa.

More later

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Friday, August 18, 2006

Visiting Detroit Sunday September 24th

I have a bit of a silly question. Colleen and I have a 6 hour layover in Detroit and wondered if we know anyone close enough to visit for a few hours? We are due to arrive Sunday midday at 12:10 PM and leave at 7:06 PM from Detroit-Wayne County Int'l.

Maybe someone has a recommendation for the 6 hours? We will have just finished 14 ½ hours travel from Taipei so napping might be most suitable, but not as much fun!

Great Visit with Jenn and Roger

Well, I'm testing posting by email.

We had areal nice visit with Jenn and Roger Hamill last evening. Poor Roger had the travel and stomach thing happening perhaps impending parenthood has him in a knot!? Jenn look GREAT! And sound good too lest you think I am only a visual guy.

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Sunday, August 13, 2006

Another week ends and another begins

Well Leadership Summit went well. Only small facility and technical issues due to changing weather.

Only 9 days to departure! Saw Heather L at church as I was giving my small group a short building tour to fill time. I also found out that the guy doing doors and cabinets in the church is the next door neighbour of one of the girls in my group this morning. Yep, Steve and 8 Grade 3 & 4 girls talking about trusting God. Well I am adaptable to any age! Actually I may be gradually becoming less capable of talking with adults......

Not much else, we had lunch with Pastor Daniel and Lisa from P.A. and their 17 month old son Wesley. They are a very nice family just getting some rest and relaxation before another season of ministry. The P.A. church is getting a new roof structure and cover and sanctuary carpeting due to an extremely heavy snowload in March. Insurance covers the replacement above the $500 deductible. Once again God protects and provides when we use the tools he has provided.

Well more as the week progresses. 5 work days left before vacation!!!!

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Another day another experience

Well actually enough for a week. I am having a real Tuesday pattern. I can hardly wait for next week! Last Tuesday one of my staff resigned; today I arrived to our office with one majorly damaged entry door and missing 3 CPUs and one monitor. At least they were fairly tidy.

Yahoo, 2 weeks from now I will be half way to Taiwan! The next 4 days have major activity with the Willow Creek Leadership Summit, then I can start to think about travelling.

Oh wait then I have 2 weeks without Colleen! Oh well she will enjoy the break from my wit and humour.

Sunday, August 06, 2006

First weekend at new Lakeview site

This was taken during the second service.

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I got to help register 53 K-5 kids at 10 and 28 at 11:30

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NO it is not me in the pirate's costume, That is Captain Yahweh helping the kids discover that they are a treasure.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Well the car is getting a bit better. I guess 19 year old toyota's need new fuses and bulbs, BEATS ME WHY except that oxidization may be the issue. What does a boy from Kansas know anyway? Well 30 years of lerning at the U of S need to count for gaining some insights!

Wow 3 weeks and I will be most of the way to Taiwan!!! Concerns about work and Leadership summit will be a memory. I am beginning to get excited. The reality won't hit until I finish work on the 18th.

Check out these U of S photos that we are thinking about using with this yer's Campus phone directory. http://www.usask.ca/archives/temp/Phonebook/

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Finally a quieter week

Well the car saga continues, but at least not as dramatic. Still using Toyota Nation forums to troubleshoot. 23 days and 14 work days to departure for me . Only 11 days to Leadership Summit.

Friday, July 21, 2006

Wow What a Week

Tuesday the car dies for Colleen as she returns from Weight Watchers
Wednesday it gets fixed to the tune of $330
Thursday it dies on me the same way!! 4 blocks from the repair shop. I at least get their loaner car so we can go to the potluck supper at Gabriel Dumont Park. At least Jay's day went better their jeep rebuild passed all the inspections! Hurrah!!!
Friday it acts up for the mechanics and then works fine so they can't locate the problem! They were able to diagnose it but not locate the electrical fault.
Christa and Paul were gracious enough to loan us their vehicle so we could go to Murray Lake for a few days while they go to Calgary for a few days!

Maybe the alternator problem won't come back. Yeah RIGHT!!

Maybe next week will be a bit less exciting, Oh wait I am a pallbearer at Mary Peters funeral Wednesday morning. I didn't think being 56 would be so hectic!

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Sharing my Birthday with the world

I got to spend the day with the lady I love and the late with afternoon Jay, Julie and Alex. Alex has been working on the "pop-sputter" for a while now. He is just like Jay was at this age, CURIOUS and involved. And then we got to fly the kite too!

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Happy Birthday to me!

Well, Special Breakfast from Colleen, call from Melissa and maybe a visit with Jay, Julie and Alex. Life for a 56 year old can't get much better.

For those of you have been here you know what I mean and for those that can't even image 40 let alone 56 be patient and live carefully and you will get there.